Grange Park Opera sits just 23 miles from London, by the Surrey Hills, and was founded in 1998 by Wasfi Kani CBE. Productions take place at the Theatre in the Woods, a five-tiered, 700-seat opera house on the estate of the 14th century West Horsley Place (where BBC’s Ghosts is filmed). Arrive early to wander in the historic walled gardens, champagne glass in hand, and a convivial atmosphere reigns: the city seems far away. A short walk through the ancient orchard – passing a 300-year-old mulberry tree – takes you to the five-tier opera house. The all-important part of the evening is the long interval. A three course meal with fine wines can be booked in the 14th century house. Or for a more bucolic approach, fling down your rug and picnic – or reserve a seat in a marquee. The 2022 season features Ponchielli’s La Gioconda, Verdi’s Otello, Wagner’s Der Fliegende Hollander and David Pountney directs The Excursions of Mr Broucek (an opera about a disappointed man who goes to the moon). With three of the biggest names in the world of opera – Bryn Terfel, Simon Keenlyside, Joseph Calleja – the season showcases Grand Opera, emotion, and strong casts.